Improved batch pan monitoring, control and optimization - a soft sensor approach : SRDC final project JCU018
Abstract
Cane sugar is manufactured in process vessels called vacuum pans, which are
closely supervised by operating personnel, known as pan boilers. Traditionally, the
pan boiler’s job has been made easier through the use of a control system based on
electrical conductivity. However, conductivity-based vacuum pan control is far from
perfect, since it requires continual attention from the pan boiler to ensure that the
vacuum pan is running efficiently. Existing and emerging technologies are now available which should allow for more
advanced monitoring and control schemes to be developed for vacuum pans. The
ultimate goal for these technologies is to develop a control system that can run the
pan closer to its optimal operating point, with less operator intervention. The main aim of this project is to develop optimal operating policies for an industrial
vacuum pan and implement them on a production scale. Rather than use
conductivity as the control variable, it is proposed that more process relevant
variables should be considered. These variables are the molasses sucrose
oversaturation, or OS, and the massecuite crystal content, or CC.